Q. Why are you running for council?
A. Our city is on the cusp of major progress and growth and with my experience on City Council I believe I can be a valuable asset in the important decision making ahead and in building a strong leadership team in Council Chambers and in City Hall.
Q. Do you have experience in public service/community boards/politics?
A. I have served 13 years on Moose Jaw City Council and related boards and committees.
Q. Do you think experience matters one way or another?
A. For newly elected people (whether councillors or mayor) I think being teachable is imperative. And for experienced elected officials being willing to teach and share knowledge to new people is equally as Important. Every elected official starts out inexperienced, but with strong, willing mentors and experienced councillors/mayor alongside it works. I was fortunate to have strong mentors when I was first elected, and I am grateful to now be able to pass that knowledge on. That being said you are never done learning!
Q. What topic/policy issue/incident was the tipping point for you?
A. The critical and imminent need to replace the Crescentview Lift Station. This is a huge infrastructure project that is going to need to take precedence, it can't be neglected any longer.
Q. What criticisms do you have, if any, for the politics you've seen over the last two or three years?
A. No Council will ever be perfect but when members of Council work together, even through their differences, good work can be done. It's not easy to get consensus 100% of the time with 7 people but deliberating with respect and good information is key. Things set in motion to cause division bother me, a lot.
Q. What is your plan to compromise/cooperate with fellow council members to accomplish policy goals?
It's always been important to me to listen to all sides of a debate before making a final decision. Sometimes those debates/deliberations lead to changing one's initial position. And I have always been willing to change my position when the information presented is solid and well researched. I have always and will always want to support the best decision for the community, not my personal preference.
Q. What else do you want voters to know about you?
A. I strive to build good working relationships with others whether on Council or in a committee or on a board. I am a person who does what I say I'm going to do. And I am not afraid of making hard decisions.
Q. In the interests of transparency, are you coordinating or do you share an association with any other candidates, in any way whatsoever?
A. No.
A candidates forum is taking place on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Auditorium at Peacock Collegiate. The forum will be livestreamed on Discover Moose Jaw.
Discover Moose Jaw will also have full coverage of the municipal election on Nov. 13.
For further municipal election coverage visit our election page.